Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager and second baseman Robinson Canó have been selected as finalists for the 2016 Rawlings® American League Gold Glove at their respective positions, as announced today by the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company and Major League Baseball.

Seager is one of three finalists for the American League Gold Glove at third base with Manny Machado (Baltimore) and Adrian Beltre (Texas). Canó is one of three finalists for the American League Gold Glove at second base with Ian Kinsler (Detroit) and Dustin Pedroia (Boston).

The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards will be announced on Tuesday, Nov. 8th on ESPN.

Seager, who was the 2014 winner, was tied with Texas’ Adrian Beltre among American League third baseman with 15 defensive runs saved (according to The Fielding Bible). He led all American League third basemen in games started (156) and innings played (1,399.2). Since his first full season in 2012, Seager has steadily improved his defensive runs saved, posting -7 DRS in 2012, -8 DRS the following season, +10 DRS in his Gold Glove season of 2014, +1 DRS last season and a career-best +15 DRS this year. Over the last three years, Seager is one of four American Leaguers to post two seasons of at least +10 DRS at 3rd base.

Canó ranked among the American League leaders in several defensive categories at second base, leading the Majors in fielding percentage (.996), leading the AL in putouts (311), was third in assists (429), and committed only three errors, the fewest among second baseman with at least 70 games played. He was second in the AL in Zone Rating with a mark of .827 behind Detroit’s Ian Kinsler; Zone Rating is defined by STATS Inc. as “an estimate of a player’s efficiency in fielding balls hit into his typical defensive zone.” Canó has previously won two Rawlings Gold Glove Awards in 2010 and 2012 while playing for New York-AL.

The Rawlings® Gold Glove Award is presented annually to 18 players, one for each position, in both the American and National Leagues. The selection process is based on a combination of managers/coaches vote (up to 7 per team, can’t vote for players on own team) and on the SABR Defensive Index (statistical based).

This afternoon, Mariners Hitting Coach Edgar Martinez swapped spray charts for a little online conversation and took some time out of his offseason to join us and XFINITY Sports for a Twitter chat. If you happened to miss it, here are the questions from fans and his responses.

@ScottScott1272: Would your approach at the plate be different today with the defensive shifts?Edgar: No, I wouldn’t change, because my approach has always been to use the whole field.

@MarcNavarrete09: What’s the one thing you teach the younger guys coming up from the minors? Edgar: The first thing is about having an approach and a plan at the plate.

@YOCAT311: What was best experience as being hitting coach this year?Edgar: It was to see the team play for a playoff spot, to see them right there down the stretch.

@alexackbar: What pitchers in today’s game would you have fun battling against?Edgar: It’d be Cole Hamels of the Rangers. He has four good pitches, and you can’t predict when he’s going to use them.

@ChrisJDMitch: What is the one thing you look forward to next season? Edgar: Now that our young players have experience playing for the playoffs, seeing how they start from the beginning with that goal in mind.

@BSF11: What is your favorite memory as a Mariners player??Edgar: I would have to say when we beat the Yankees in 1995.

@MisterPigz: Hello Edgar, which one of your past teammates spent the most time in front of a mirror?Edgar: That’d be Bret Boone.

@darthbuhner: Have you worked much with Daniel Vogelbach?Edgar: During the season we did a little work, early hitting and working on his swing path a bit.

@JohnTrupin: What’s been the biggest challenge going from hitting to teaching hitting to other pros? Edgar: The challenge, with some players, is they have old habits—and old habits are really hard to change.

@JC_2594: Hey Edgar, biggest baseball role model for you growing up?Edgar: The first one was Roberto Clemente and then, after him, was Carmelo Martinez, Jose Cruz and Tony Perez.

@HemskyStrikes: Mariner fan in Calgary. Any fond memories from your time with the Cannons? Thoughts on the city/team when you were here? Edgar: I think it was ’87, we had a fun, fun team. We had a really good team and the city is a really fun city.

@BrentOsburn: What advice would you give to high school hitters about approach and adjustments? Edgar: I would look at the mechanics first, and see if there’s something you have to work on. With approach, always work the middle of the field.

@dan_iel_86: Who was the most difficult pitcher you ever faced?Edgar: Nolan Ryan was very tough for me, and Pedro was also tough. And anybody that throws knuckleballs.

@RosalyndaReyes: What’s the toughest thing hitters face right now? Has it changed since your years in the big leagues?Edgar: There’s more information now, and then the shift, that can really affect some players.

@RussellHartness: What do you like the most about coaching now, vs playing back in the glory days?Edgar: Being able to help young players, being able to help them and then see the results.

@Matt_Mapes: Do you think the NL should adopt the DH? Edgar: Yes, I do, it’s been around for over 40 years now.

@Lanetraver7: What was the significance in choosing the number 11 to wear on you back?Edgar: It’s funny, I think it was just the number that was available.

@matt_king19: What was your favorite city to play in besides Seattle?Edgar: I love New York, really liked New York.

@Ryan_W00ds: Did you always switch bat weights depending on who you were facing?Edgar: I would actually change it as the year went on, making it a little lighter.

@kakaboomaka: Kingdome vs. Safeco. Which did you prefer? Edgar: I used to love the Kingdome, it was great for hitters.

@dkent08: Of all the @Mariners commercials you’ve been in, is there one that stood out to you as your favorite? Edgar: I like the one from when we just opened Safeco, hitting the opener and rolling back the roof.

@XFINITYSports: Bases loaded, down 1, bottom of the 9th. Would you have wanted Griffey, Ichiro, or yourself up?Edgar: Me! But if I need a homer, Junior, if I need get on base, Ichiro.

@TorryBruce: What’s the toughest pitch for you to hit??? Edgar: That’d be the knuckleball.

@BFreezy3: Who hit balls further in BP? Griffey Jr. Or Bone?Edgar: I will say Buhner farther, but Junior was more consistent on hitting the homers in BP.

@THEDeeJenks: What do you like about Scott Servais as a manager? Edgar: He understands that the players need to be loose, and maintains a positive environment for them.

The Mariners send birthday greetings to Eddie “Lefty” Carnett, who turns 100 today. Lefty is a former Major Leaguer who also played three years for the Seattle Rainiers.

Carnett is reportedly the oldest living former Major League player, and also the oldest Pacific Coast League player.

Back on May 26, 2012, a then 95-year old Carnett threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Safeco Field before the Turn Back the Clock game in which the Mariners wore Rainiers jerseys and the Los Angeles Angels wore the PCL Angels uniforms from 1955.

During his playing days, Carnett was what one might call versatile. He was an outfielder, first baseman and pitcher. He was also a player/manager for six seasons in the minor leagues. He had a 19-year professional baseball career from 1935-1955. He played for 20 teams, including three cups of coffee in the Big Leagues with the Boston Braves (1941), Chicago White Sox (1944) and Cleveland Indians (1945).

Carnett played with the Rainiers in 1942-1943 and 1946. He was also a member of the 1938 pennant-winning Pacific Coast League Los Angeles Angels, where he pitched against Fred Hutchinson, the ace of the first-year Rainiers staff.

During his years in the minors, Carnett was a career .314 hitter. He also went 129-102 as a pitcher with a 4.03ERA.

Seattle Mariners Manager Scott Servais today announced that all six Major League coaches (third base coach Manny Acta, bench coach Tim Bogar, first base coach Casey Candaele, bullpen coach Mike Hampton, hitting coach Edgar Martinez and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre) will return to the staff in 2017 in their current positions. In addition, Scott Brosius will join the staff as assistant coach and Chris Prieto will return in a slightly different role, now serving as special projects coach.

“Our coaches played a huge role in creating the culture, both on and off the field, that we enjoyed last season,” said Mariners Manager Scott Servais. “I am pleased that all will return in 2017 as we continue to work toward our shared goal of winning a World Series in Seattle.”

Manny Acta returns as Third Base Coach. In addition to coaching third base, Manny is responsible for defensive positioning. Last year Baseball Info Solutions had the Mariners as the (tie) top-team in the American League in runs saved via defensive shifting. Acta was recently named this year’s recipient of the Brooks Robinson Community Service Award by the MLB Players Alumni Association. The 2017 season will be his second with Seattle, and his 13th as a Big League coach or manager.

Tim Bogar returns as Bench Coach. He assists manager Scott Servais with all facets of pre-game and in-game decision making. In 2016, the Mariners improved by 10 total wins (from 76 to 86) over the 2015 season, one of just five teams in the Majors to post a 10+ game improvement. The 2017 season will be his second with Seattle, and his eighth as a Big League coach or manager.

Casey Candaele returns as First Base Coach. In addition to coaching first base Casey is also responsible for base running and outfield defense. The 2017 season will be his second with Seattle, and his second as a Big League coach.

Mike Hampton returns as Bullpen Coach. The Mariners bullpen improved from 25th in the Majors (at 4.15) to 9th (at 3.55) in bullpen ERA in 2016. The 2017 season will be his second with Seattle, and his second as a Big League coach.

Edgar Martinez returns as Hitting Coach. The Mariners ranked sixth in the Majors in runs scored (4.74 per game) in 2016, Edgar’s first full season as hitting coach, and the group finished with 223 home runs, third-most in MLB. Edgar originally joined the staff on June 20, 2015, making the 2017 season his third with Seattle, and his third as a Big League coach.

Mel Stottlemyre returns as Pitching Coach. The Mariners used a club-record 32 different pitchers in 2016, including 13 different starters (most since 1999, also 13), and 21 different pitchers recorded a win. Despite the turnover the Mariners still finished with a team ERA of 4.00, third-best in the American League (TOR, 3.78; CLE, 3.84). The 2017 season will be his second with Seattle, his fourth as a Big League pitching coach and his sixth as a Major League coach, overall.

Scott Brosius has been added to the Major League staff as Assistant Coach. Brosius spent the 2016 season, his first as a professional coach, as the hitting coach for AAA Tacoma. Spent previous eight seasons (2008-2015) as head coach at Linfield College (McMinnville, OR) where he had a 270-96 record and won a national title. Brosius appeared in parts of 11 Major League seasons with Oakland (1991-97) and New York-AL (1998-2001). The 2017 season will be his first as a Big League coach.

Chris Prieto returns to the Big League staff in 2017 as the Special Projects Coach after spending the previous three seasons as the Mariners Quality Assurance Coach. The 2017 season will be his fourth with Seattle and his fourth as a Big League coach overall.

The Mariners made history on the pitcher’s mound in 2016. A club-record 32 pitchers saw action this season, including 13 different starters, the most since 1999. Seattle set another club record as 21 different pitchers recorded a win, the most in franchise history.

From an individual standpoint, Felix Hernandez continued to establish his place atop the Mariners record books. Felix became the Mariners all-time leader in strikeouts on April 23 with his 2,163rd career strikeout, passing Randy Johnson. On May 9, Felix earned his 146th career win, passing Jamie Moyer’s previous club record.

Hisashi Iwakuma continued to be a rock in the rotation. He was the only member of the Opening Day roster to make every scheduled start this season. Iwakuma led the club in wins, games started, innings pitched and strikeouts while establishing a personal career-best with 16 wins.

Edwin Diaz burst onto the scene as a dynamic arm at the back end of the bullpen. Diaz struck out opposing batters at a prodigious rate, ranking 3rd in club history for strikeouts by a rookie reliever despite tossing just 51.2 innings.

The following is a recap of the best moments of 2016 from the Mariners pitching staff, as well as a comprehensive look at the historic seasons from Hernandez, Iwakuma and Diaz.

The Mariners Pitchers: 2016 in Review

The Hurlers…Seattle’s pitching staff posted a 4.00 ERA (647 ER, 1457.0 IP) with 1,318 strikeouts during the 162-game season…the starters were 62-53 with a 4.25 ERA (441 ER, 934.2 IP) with 768 strikeouts, while the relievers were 24-23 with a 3.55 ERA (206 ER, 522.1 IP) with 550 strikeouts.

Bullpen Bullies…the Mariners bullpen struck out a club record 550 batters, passing the 2013 club which struck out 535…the 550 strikeouts rank 3rd among American League bullpens behind Houston (617) and New York-AL (578) and 6th in the Majors…Edwin Diaz led Mariners relievers with 88 strikeouts and Steve Cishek was second with 76…it is the 6th time in club history that the bullpen has features two relievers with 75+ strikeouts (also: 2014, 2013, 2001, 2000, 1995), last by Danny Farquhar (82) & Fernando Rodney (76) in 2014.

Calling For Reinforcements…from the start of the season through the end of May, the Mariners used only 5 starters (Hisashi Iwakuma, Felix Hernandez, Nathan Karns, Wade Miley and Taijuan Walker)…Seattle was the last American League team to use a 6th starter…from June through the end of the season, Seattle used 13 different starters (including the original 5 in the rotation).

Spreading Wins…Seattle had 21 different pitchers record a win this season, T5th-most in the Majors behind Atlanta (28), Los Angeles-AL (24), Los Angeles-NL (23) and New York-AL (22) and tied with Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Diego and San Francisco…Hisashi Iwakuma led the team with 16 wins…nine different starters recorded a win as a starter, and 14 pitchers recorded a win as a reliever…Ariel Miranda & Mike Montgomery were the only hurlers to record a win out of the bullpen and as a starter…Seattle set a club record with 21 different pitchers recording a win (20 in 2015).

Finish It…On Sept. 13 at Los Angeles-AL, Taijuan Walker recorded his first career complete-game shutout…blanked the Angels on 3 hits while striking out 11 and not walking a batter in 9.0 innings pitched…retired the first 17 batters of the game before Kaleb Cowart reached on an error with 2 outs in the 6th…allowed his first hit to Kole Calhoun leading off the 7th inning…it was his 3rd career complete game (last: 7/31/15 at MIN)…he equaled his career-high with 11 strikeouts…became the 5th Mariners pitcher to toss a shutout while allowing 3 or fewer hits and striking out 10 or more; joining Randy Johnson (8x), Felix Hernandez (3x), Matt Young (1x) & Aaron Harang (6/11/13 vs. HOU)…tossed one of 3 shutouts in MLB this season with 3-or-fewer hits allowed, 10-or-more strikeouts and zero walks (also: Clayton Kershaw – LAD, 5/1 vs. SD & Vince Velasquez – PHI, 4/14 vs. SD)…became the first pitcher to toss a complete-game shutout vs. the Angels while recording 10-or-more strikeouts with 0 walks since 1992 and just the 5th pitcher to do so in Major League history, joining Kevin Tapani – 6/24/92 vs. CAL w/ MIN, Nolan Ryan, 9/30/89 at CAL w/TEX, Rich Gale, 6/26/78 at CAL w/KC and Jim Kaat, 4/22/62 at LAA w/MIN. Continue reading →

2016 was a banner year for the Mariners offense. As a club, Seattle ranked 3rd in the Major Leagues in home runs and 6th in the Majors in runs per game. The Mariners got contributions from up-and-down the lineup, as six different players hit at least 15 home runs. Robinson Canó, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager anchored the heart of the order, becoming the third trio of Mariners teammates in club history to hit 30 home runs apiece and the first since 1997. That is just a sampling of this season’s offensive fireworks.

The following is a look at the highlights from the Mariners hitters in 2016, including an in-depth review of the career seasons from Canó, Cruz and Seager. Tomorrow, we take a look back at this season’s noteworthy achievements from the Mariners pitching staff.

The Mariners Hitters: 2016 in Review

Runs, Runs & More Runs…the Mariners scored 4.74 runs per game, 3rd-best in the American League and 6th-best in the Majors…this was the highest-scoring season by a Mariners club since the 2007 club scored 4.90 runs per game…the 4.74 runs per game is the 12th-best in club history.

Homer Happy…Seattle ranked 2nd in the American League and 3rd in the Majors with 223 home runs…the home run total is the 5th-most in club history behind the clubs from 1997 (264), 1996 (245), 1999 (244) and 1998 (234) and the most in the Safeco Field era…18 different Mariners hit a home run this season, including Nelson Cruz, Robinson Canó, Kyle Seager and Adam Lind who all hit 20+.

Home Sweet Homer…the Mariners set a club record with 116 home runs at Safeco Field this season, eclipsing the 2000 club that had 92…the 116 home runs at home are the 5th-most in club history behind the clubs from 1997 (131), 1999 (122), 1996 (121) and 1998 (117)…the 116 homers at home were T2nd-most in the Majors this season behind Baltimore (131) and tied with Colorado…Nelson Cruz and Robinson Canó led the club with 17 home runs at Safeco Field this season, following by Adam Lind (15).

All Right vs. Lefties…Seattle led the Majors Leagues in home runs vs. left-handed pitchers with 79…Seattle had four players ranked in the Top-6 in the Majors in home runs against lefties: Nelson Cruz (1st, 19 HR), Franklin Gutierrez (T3rd, 12), Robinson Canó (T6th, 11) and Kyle Seager (T6th, 11)…as a team against left-handers, hit .255 (489×1915) with 78 doubles, 7 triples, 79 home runs, 246 RBI and a .427 slugging mark.

Dynamic Duo…Nelson Cruz (43 HR) and Robinson Canó (39 HR) ranked 2nd and 7th in the American League in home runs, respectively…Cruz and Canó became the 5th Mariners duo in club history to finish in the top 10 in the AL in home runs and the first to do since 2000 when Alex Rodriguez (41 HR) and Edgar Martinez (37 HR) ranked T4th and T10th in the AL, respectively…the other seasons in which a Mariners duo accomplished this feat are 1999: Ken Griffey Jr. & Rodriguez, 1998: Griffey & Rodriguez, 1997: Griffey & Jay Buhner and 1996: Griffey & Buhner.